Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 14 (ANI): Shimla is gearing up for the district-level Independence Day celebrations at the historic Ridge Road on August 15, with Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur scheduled to be the chief guest and the district administration and police putting elaborate arrangements in place, officials said on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner of Shila district administration, Anupam Kashyap and Additional Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar, speaking to ANI in Shimla, said preparations for the celebrations were in full swing, with a ceremonial parade involving 13 contingents, cultural programmes and heightened security measures planned for the occasion.
The district-level function will begin at 11 a.m. at the Ridge, Kashyap said.
"Independence Day is extremely important for all of us. The district-level function in Shimla will be organised at the Ridge at 11 am, with Education Minister Rohit Thakur as the chief guest," Kashyap said.
He said the programme would begin with the national song and national anthem, followed by inspection of the parade and a march-past. The Education Minister would then address the gathering, followed by a cultural programme showcasing Himachal Pradesh's rich culture and identity.
The programme will conclude with the national song and national anthem, he said.
Kashyap appealed to government employees, officials, students and residents to participate in the celebrations in large numbers.
"Schools across the state are also organising Independence Day programmes. I appeal to government employees, officers, children and the local public to participate in the district-level programme and celebrate Independence Day together with enthusiasm," he said.
He also urged people who are generally critical of official programmes to attend the event and understand the significance of Independence Day.
"I would also request those who are generally critical of such programmes to attend the event, understand the importance of Independence Day and enjoy the cultural programme," Kashyap said.
Shimla police have deployed 200 police personnel in the city. The Shimla Police have stepped up security arrangements across the city ahead of the celebrations.
Additional Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar said around 200 police personnel would be deployed at the Ridge, adjoining areas and other important locations in Shimla.
"The Independence Day programme is being organised at the historic Ridge Maidan. The Education Minister will be the chief guest. There are 13 contingents participating in the parade and preparations are in full swing. A complete full-dress rehearsal was also held today," Panwar told ANI.
She said police deployment had been planned not only around the Ridge but also at key locations across Shimla city.
"Police deployment has been ensured at the Ridge and surrounding areas as well as all major locations in Shimla. Around 200 police personnel will be deployed at different places across the city," she said.
Panwar said security checks had also been intensified at the major entry points into the district, with checkpoints established to screen vehicles and people entering Shimla.
"Checking of every vehicle and person is being ensured at the main entry points. At the police station level, checking of hotels, sarais and other such establishments has also been underway since last week," she said.
She said the checking of hotels and other accommodation facilities would continue as part of the security arrangements.
The police have also deployed traffic personnel to regulate movement in the city, particularly around the Ridge and other busy locations.
"Traffic personnel have already been deployed and are managing traffic effectively. Special attention will be given to traffic management during the Independence Day celebrations to ensure smooth movement," Panwar said.
With a large number of tourists and local residents expected to be present in Shimla during the celebrations, Panwar appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel.
"All the security arrangements are for everyone's safety. I appeal to tourists and local residents to cooperate with the police and undergo the required checks," she said.
The district administration and police said the arrangements were aimed at ensuring that the Independence Day celebrations are conducted smoothly and safely while allowing residents, visitors and students to participate in the event. (ANI)
Shimla gears up for Independence Day at Ridge road; 200 police personnel to be deployed
